News Summary:
- Achmad Syahri Assidiqi has finally issued a public apology after a video allegedly showed him playing games and smoking during a meeting.
- The young politician from the Gerindra Party admitted his lapse in judgment and expressed remorse for actions deemed inappropriate for a public representative.
- Syahri stated his readiness to accept sanctions from both the party and the Jember Regional Parliament (DPRD).
Kuya Food Express – Facing a torrent of public criticism, Achmad Syahri Assidiqi, a member of the Jember Regional Parliament (DPRD), has finally broken his silence. After several days in the public spotlight due to a viral video purportedly showing him playing games and smoking during a meeting discussing critical health issues, the young Gerindra Party politician has now issued a public apology.
The apology was delivered via a short video that widely circulated on Wednesday night, May 13, 2026. This video marks Syahri’s first public statement, following his earlier decision to remain silent and unresponsive to numerous media requests for comment. Previously, WhatsApp messages and calls from Kompas.com to Syahri went unanswered. This prolonged silence had sparked various speculations and further amplified the public outcry against him.
Acknowledges Lapse and Expresses Remorse
In the video that subsequently circulated widely, Syahri, who is also the son of former House of Representatives (DPR RI) member Fadil Muzakki Syah, admitted his regret and stated that he had made a mistake. “I, Ahmad Syahri Assidiqi, a member of the Jember Regency DPRD Commission D, humbly apologize to the people of Jember, especially to the Gerindra Party Chairman and also to the Gerindra Central Executive Board (DPP) for what has circulated,” Syahri stated in the video.
He acknowledged that the viral incident serves as a significant lesson in his life. According to Syahri, he is well aware that his actions were inappropriate, particularly for a public representative. “I am aware of what I did, I made a mistake. I hope this becomes a valuable lesson in my life,” he expressed. This statement marks Syahri’s first public acknowledgment since the video sparked extensive discussion on social media and drew widespread condemnation from various segments of society.
Ready to Face Party and DPRD Sanctions
Beyond his apology, Syahri also affirmed his readiness to accept any consequences stemming from his actions. He expressed his willingness to face sanctions from both the Gerindra Party and the Jember DPRD. “I am prepared to be sanctioned by both the party and the DPRD. As a young individual, I acknowledge my many imperfections,” he stated.
In his statement, Syahri further voiced his hope that such an incident would not be repeated in the future. He extended his deepest apologies to the community, particularly to the residents of Jember who felt disappointed by his conduct during the meeting. “I hope this does not happen again in my life. I extend my sincerest apologies to the public, especially the people of Jember,” he concluded.
Controversy Ignited by Viral Video During Health Discussion
This entire polemic began with the circulation of a video showing Achmad Syahri Assidiqi allegedly playing games while holding a cigarette during a Hearing Meeting (RDP) of Jember DPRD Commission D on Monday, May 11, 2026. The crucial meeting was dedicated to discussing vital public health concerns, including stunting, measles, maternal and infant mortality rates (AKI/AKB), and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.
The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, drawing immediate and fierce public backlash. Many critics argued that such behavior was unethical for a council member, particularly considering the serious nature of the health issues being deliberated and the professional setting of an air-conditioned meeting room.
Summoned by Gerindra Party Tribunal
As the controversy continued to escalate, the Gerindra Party’s Central Executive Board (DPP) ultimately took decisive action. Achmad Syahri Assidiqi is scheduled to face an examination hearing before the Party Tribunal on Friday, May 15, 2026. This summons forms a crucial part of the party’s internal evaluation process concerning a cadre who has drawn intense public scrutiny.
This case remains a significant point of public interest and further contributes to the escalating discourse surrounding the conduct of public officials while discharging their parliamentary duties.
(TribunTrends/Kompas)
Summary
Jember Regional Parliament (DPRD) member Achmad Syahri Assidiqi has publicly apologized after a viral video showed him playing games and smoking during a meeting. He admitted his mistake and expressed remorse, acknowledging his actions were inappropriate for a public representative. The meeting was crucial, discussing vital public health issues like stunting and maternal mortality.
Syahri stated his readiness to accept sanctions from both the Gerindra Party and the Jember DPRD. Subsequently, the Gerindra Party’s Central Executive Board (DPP) has summoned him to face an examination hearing before its Party Tribunal. This incident has drawn significant public interest regarding the conduct of public officials.